Raceland Middle School raises money to fight cancer

Friday

About 50 names, photos and heartfelt messages were displayed on a projector screen in Raceland Middle School on this afternoon during the luminary ceremony of its annual Cubby Fights Cancer event.

Some of the faces were loved ones who survived their battle with cancer while those lost were honored.

Students cried out, "I love you, Grandpa," as photos they recognized had their moment on the screen. Each of the names received applause from the crowd of parents, students and staff piled into the gym.

Raceland Middle School mentor teacher Lauramae Zeringue worked with the students to organize the event, which has been going on for 16 years.

Zeringue said the event gives the student a chance to learn about the importance of helping those in need due to cancer and teaches them how to put on events.

She said all of the students in the school jumped on the opportunity to assist with the event.

"Our students are so good at things involving the community and helping others," said Zeringue.

Five of the middle school's employees are cancer survivors or undergoing treatment. Zeringue said one had been recently diagnosed.

The event had activities, food and T-shirt sales to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

"This community is one thing that I have to thank today," said Zeringue, proud of how the students and staff had managed to put on a great event despite the weather.

The heavy rain forecast had moved the fundraiser indoors.

Last year, the fundraiser made about $6,000. Zeringue said their goal this year was to either meet or surpass the total from the year before, but the total wasn't complete at the end of the event.

Zeringue said she was thankful for the event's sponsors and hopes to see the event continue to grow.

"It's going to continue on," she said. "We would love to see even more of the community come."

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